Kate Marshall served as the state treasurer for two terms beginning in 2007. She then ran for Secretary of State in 2014 but lost a tight race in a year that saw Republicans sweep nearly every office up for grabs. This year, she’s working to become the first Democrat in nearly 30 years to serve as lieutenant governor. She spoke to KUNR’s Paul Boger to talk about her experience and how her time in office prepared her for the Lt. Governor’s seat.
"When I was treasurer, it was the great recession, and if there's one thing I learned it was that this state can't do well unless the economy is doing well… I see my experience and expertise in budgets and finance, and in how the state works, being a resource and, hopefully, a welcome voice in the state senate."
Nevada’s constitution gives the Lt. Gov. relatively few powers. They serve as the acting governor if there is a vacancy or if the sitting governor is unavailable in a time of emergency. But more importantly, they also serve as the President of the state Senate and cast a vote in the case of a tie. That could be an important vote during the 2021 session, when lawmakers will be tasked with drawing new congressional district boundaries.
"Nevada does have in its statutes that apportionment shall be done via population. That is different than some other states. I would hope to be a voice to make sure that every voice in this state is heard and that we draw districts that represent the people in this states."
This article is an excerpt of an extended conversation. You can listen to a longer interview by clicking the play button above.
